Difference Between FLV and FLA


FLV and FLA file types are both associated with Adobe Flash software. FLA is a source file format for creating Flash animations and applications, whereas FLV is a video file format for delivering video content over the internet.

Read this article to find out more about FLV and FLA and how they are different from each other.

What is FLV?

FLV is an abbreviation for Flash Video, which is a file type used for online video streaming. Adobe Systems created it, and it is a popular format for distributing video content over the internet. FLV files are small yet preserve high-quality video and audio, making them suitable for streaming video content on websites and other online platforms.

FLV supports a variety of video codecs, including H.264, VP6, Sorenson Spark, and On2 VP6. It also supports several audio codecs, including MP3, AAC, and Nellymoser. FLV files can be compressed to a small size while preserving high video and audio quality because of the flexibility of codec support.

FLV files are commonly used on video sharing websites like YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion. These sites broadcast videos to users through FLV files, allowing them to watch videos without first downloading the complete file. This is achieved by a process known as progressive downloading, in which the video file is downloaded in parts as the user watches the video. The user does not have to wait for the complete video to download before watching it this way.

What is FLA?

FLA is an Adobe Flash platform file type that contains the original, uncompressed source files for Flash animations and applications. Adobe Flash Professional or other equivalent software is used to create and edit it.

FLA files are used to store vector graphics, pictures, text, animation timelines, and other components necessary to make a Flash project. They also include metadata such as project settings and scripting code required to provide interactivity and other project abilities.

The versatility of FLA files is one of their main features. They can be changed and modified in a variety of ways because they contain the original source files.

This allows designers and developers to make modifications to the project without starting it again.

FLA files can also be exported to other forms, such as SWF, the compiled format for sending Flash content over the internet. Designers and developers may use Flash Professional to create complex animations and programmes and then distribute them to end users in a compact, optimized manner.

Difference between FLV and FLA

The following table highlights the major differences between FLV and FLA −

Characteristics

FLV

FLA

File Type

It is a video container format.

It is an original uncompressed source file.

Developed by

Adobe Systems

Adobe Systems

Compression

FLV uses codecs such as H.264, VP6, and MPEG-4.

No compression, uncompressed vector graphics, and assemblies

Audio Codec

AAC

N/A

Editing

FLV cannot be edited directly.

FLA can be edited using Flash software.

Exporting

N/A

It can be exported to various formats, including SWF.

Flexibility

Limited

High Flexibility

Extension

.flv

.fla

Playback

FLV is supported by various software and web browsers.

FLA is supported by Adobe Flash Player or compatible software.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FLA and FLV are two different file formats that are used in the context of Adobe Flash software. FLA is a source file format for creating Flash animations and applications, whereas FLV is a video file format for delivering video content over the internet.

FLA files contain all of the raw assets, animation timelines, scripts, and other information needed to make a Flash project, whereas FLV files are designed to be small while maintaining high-quality video and audio and are often used for internet video streaming.

Anyone who works with Adobe Flash or uses online video streaming platforms should be aware of the differences between these two file types.

Updated on: 14-Apr-2023

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